One-Timer: One word comes to mind to describe Taylor Hall – dynamic! He is a unique, but explosive skater and very creative offensively.

There are those rankings services that try and contend Tyler Seguin or Cam Fowler are ahead of Hall. While both Seguin and Fowler are outstanding talents and potential cornerstones for whichever franchise drafts them, I remain unconvinced that either is in the same league as Taylor Hall. Admittedly, though Tyler Seguin is doing everything in his power to dethrone Hall, and Fowler was a huge part of USA’s gold medal win at the WJCs in Saskatchewan.

Hall is still a cut above the rest, in my opinion, offering up a tantalizing mix of offensive ability with his speed and puck savvy creativity, with an unquestionable passion for the game.

Current Season: Because of his amazing season last year, some facts and stats included from last season as well.

He currently sits second in overall scoring in the OHL with 76 points (32G, 44A) in 42 games. He has played three fewer games than league leader Tyler Seguin who has notched 81 points.

“Named OHL Player of the Month for October, after registering 27 points, on 11 goals and 16 assists, in 14 games for Windsor … Named OHL Player of the Week for the week ending on October 25, after registering 10 points, on six goals and four assists, in three games … 2008-09: Helped Windsor capture the OHL championship and the Memorial Cup … Named the Memorial Cup most valuable player and to the tournament all-star team … Was named MVP in the OHL playoffs after registering 36 points in 20 games …”

More recently, Taylor Hall represented Team Canada for the 2010 World Junior Championships in Saskatchewan. He was the lone 2010 draft-eligible player selected to the final roster for Canada. He registered 6 goals and 6 assists (12 points) in 6 contests, placing him 3rd overall in scoring for the tournament. Taylor was named to the WJC all-star team in 2010.

“He’s prone to making bad turnovers in transition, and sometimes he makes poor decisions with the puck in the offensive zone as well. While his plus/minus rating has been very solid the past two seasons, he is susceptible to being caught out of position, leading one to wonder how much playing for a strong Windsor club is sheltering some defensive concerns in his game.”

With a talent like Hall, I think the cause for concern here is minimal. Just unleash this kid and let him play.

Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 10/10 Defensive = 8/10

NHL Player(s) Comparison: If you can imagine a morph or hybrid of Pavel Bure and Mark Messier

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